Elevator link



March 9, 1943.

G. D. 'JOHNSON ELEVATOR LINK Filed Oct. 9, 1940 UHV 2 Sheets-Sheet l r March 9, 194:3. G. D. JOHNSON `2,313,243

ELEVATOR LINK Filed OCT.. 9*, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Mar. 9, 1943 narra STATES, PATENT oFelCE ELEVATOR LINK Glenn D. Johnson, Compton, Calif., assigner to Baash-Ross Tool Company, Los Angeles, Calif.

a corporation of California Application October 9, 1940, Serial No. 360,416

13 Claims.

as oil wells and gas wells it is the usual practicev to stack the pipe vertically in the derrick and to employ elevators operated by hoisting lines to handle the individual lengths or stands of the pipe and to lower the string as it is assembled. For example, in making up and running in a string of drill pipe, the stands of pipe are stacked vertically in the derrick to rest against the iingerboard in an elevated corner portion of the derrick, and an elevator carried by the hook on the traveling block is utilized to swing the individual stands free so that they may be connected with the string in the table. An operator stands on a platform in the upper part of the derrick and positions the stands for engagement by the elevator. As the elevator ascends the operator grasps the elevator and latches it about the stands of pipe. The elevator normally .ascends in the center of the 'derrick while the platform and the pipe supporting finger are at one side of the derrick. Because of this relationship the heavy traveling block carrying the hook and elevator must be swung back and forth as the block rises and the swinging movement must be timed Another object of this invention is to provide novel elevator links which hold the elevator projected laterally with respect to the axis of the der- Y rick so that the elevator automatically comes into position to be easily engaged and latched about the pipe at the finger, said links being formed to allow the elevator to automatically return to a position in line with the hook and traveling block upon assuming the weight of the pipe.

to bring the elevator toward the operator on the platform so that he may grasp the elevator and latch it about the pipe as the elevator continues its ascent. This procedure requires considerable skill and much labor and is time consuming. Further, the grasping and manipulating o f the ascending swinging elevator by the workman on the narrow platform is very hazardous.

Another object of this invention is to provide a control means for an elevator which automatically brings the elevator in position for easy engagement and manipulation by the operator at the platform or monkeyboard when the ele- Vator is rising in the derrick. Theelevator control means of the present invention completely eliminates the necessity for swinging the heavy traveling block and lines to bring the elevator into position for engagement with the pipe, saving much time and' labor and greatly ,reducing the danger.

Another object of this invention is to provide elevator links of the character mentioned that are easily adjusted to maintain the elevator at any desired distance from thevertical center of the derrick to adapt the elevator for use in different situations.

Another object of this invention is to provide elevator links of the character mentioned which may be latched or locked to maintain the elevator in line with the traveling block and hook when pulling the pipe from the Vwell and when performing other operations.

Another object of this invention is to provide elevator links of the character referred to which may be readily adjusted or regulated to handle elevators of different weights and types and to operate at the desired speed.

A further object of thisl invention is to provide elevator links of the character referred to which are sturdy and strong and safe and dependable.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description oft-ypical preferred forms and applications of my invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a well derrick and associated equipment illustrating the man- 'ner in which the improved links of the vvinvention position the elevator `for ready engagement about a pipe standing in the derrick. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic plan or transverse sectional view taken as indicated by line -2-2 on Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged horizontal detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 4 4 on Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a side elevation o f one form of link cf the invention with broken lines showing the lower link section ,in the extended position.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 showing another form of link of the invention. Fig. '7 is an edge elevation of the link shown `in Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view of the spring means and dash-pot means of the `lin-k illustrated in Figs. 6 and '7.

The elevator control links of the invention are adapted to be used with various makes and kinds of elevators and may -be employed in conjunction with well rig hoisting equipment of different types. In Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings I have diagrammatically illustrated a typical well drilling rig and will describe the invention employed in connection with this equipment, it being understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted to the specific forms or Vapplications about to be described.

The portion of the typical well drilling rig illustrated in the drawings comprises a derrick I whose upper end or water table carries a crownY block I I. Hoist lines I2 operates over the pulleys of the crown block I I and carry a traveling block I 3. The traveling block I3 in turn carries a hook I 4. In accordance with the usual practice the block I3 and hook I4 travel along the central vertical axis of the derrick I0 to be aligned with the rotary table I5. The rotary table I5 is arranged at the derrick'iioor F andis adapted to carry slips I6 for supporting pipe P in the well during certain phases of the operations. A iinger board or nger projects inwardly from one side of the derrick I0 in spaced parallel relation to an adjacent side of the derrick. The nger I1 is offset from the central vertical axis of the derrick I!) and is in a horizontal plane quite high in the derrick. A monkeyboard or platform I8 is provided in the derrick I0 above the finger I'I. The platform I8 is usually in a corner of the derrick I0 and is offset from the iingerboard II. The stands S of pipe are racked or stacked in the derrick I0 to have their lower ends rest on the floor F and to have their upper portions rest against the finger I'I. The stands S of pipe are usually in a group oiset from the vertical axis of the derrick to leave ample space for the lines I2, traveling block I3, etc. The operator stands on the monkeyboard or platform I8 so-that he may engage and latch the elevator E about a stand S as the elevator moves upwardly in the derrick. It will be seen that with typical equipment the elevator E suspended from theY hook I4 can only be brought into position to cooperate'with the stand S by swinging the heavy traveling block I3 as the block ascends in the derrick. e

The form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to5, inclusive, of the drawings maybe said to comprise, generally, a pair of links for suspending the elevator E from the hook I4, eachlink comprising pivotally connected upper and lower sections 29 and 2 I, counterbalance means 22l tending to swing the lower section 2| out of line with the upper section 20, and means 23 for regulating and stopping movement of the lower section 2 I. As the two elevator links may be identical or complementary I will proceed with a detailed description of one link, it being understood that such description is applicable to both links.

The upper link section 20 is an elongate member whose upper end is formed or prepared for connection with the hook |4 and whose vlower end is formed for connection with the lower link section 2|. The major portion of the section 20 may be a straight rod-like part. I have shown the upper end of the section 2D provided with an eye 9 for cooperating with or receiving a lug 24 of the hook I4 to suspend the link from the hook.- The eye 9 may be an integral part of -the section 28 and may be curved to lie close against the hook I4. The lower end of the section 2|) is provided witha tongue 25 presenting at side faces and having a curved edge. Ears 26 project from the opposite edges of the tongue 25 and present flat radial downwardly facing stop surfaces 2'1. The stop surfaces 2`I may occupy corresponding positions at opposite sides of the tongue 25.

The lower link section 2| is connected with the lower end of the section 26 to swing about a substantially horizontal axis. The lower section 2| comprises an elongate lower arm 26 and an elongate upper arm 29. The lower arm 28 may resemble the upper section 20, that is, it may be an elongate rod-like part of round cross section.

` Means is provided at the lower end of the arm 28 36 may be bent or curved t0 lie close against the elevator E. A fork or yoke 3| is provided on the -upper end of the arm 28. The yoke 3| may be integral with the arm 28 and is formed to receive the tongue 25 of the upper link section 20. A pin or bolt 32 passes through horizontal openings in the tongue`25 and yoke 3| to pivotally connect the two link sections 20 and 2 I. The pivot bolt 32 is retained by its head and a nut 33. The pivotal connection of the sections 20 and 2| is such that the lower section 2| may freely swing relative to the upper section 20, this movement being controlled and limited by the means 22 to be later described.

The upper arm 29 of the lower section 2| continues upwardly from the yoke 3 I. In practice the arm 29 may be an integral continuation or extension of one branch of the yoke 3|. A laterally projecting offset 34 may connect the arm 39 with the branch of the yoke 3| and the arm lies in a plane spaced from andsubstantially parallel with the plane occupied by the upper link section 20. 'I'he arm 29 is preferably though not necessarily rectangular in transverse cross section and formed to present broad inner and outer nat faces. In accordance with the invention the arm 29 is of substantial length and may have its upper end adjacent the eye 9 when the link is straightened out with its sections 20 and 2| in alignment. The upper arm 29 of the section 2| is preferably substantially uniform in size and shape throughout its length.

` `The counterbalance means 22 is provided to urge the swinging link section 2| to a position where the elevator E is laterally oisetv from or out of alignment with the block I3 and hook Ill and in a position where it may be readily engaged with a pipe stand S at the platform I8. In the form of the invention being described the counterbalance means 22 is a weight means and is adjustable to adapt the links for the handling of elevators of different weights and to provide for the desired operation of the links. The weight means or counterbalance means 22 includes a weight block 36 carried by the upper arm 29 of the section 2|. The block 36 may be a vertically elongated rectangular member. The Weight of the block 36 depends upon the weight of the elevator E for which the links are designed and the block may be formed to have any required weight.

It is preferred to form the block 36 of a material having a high specific gravity. For example, the block may be `formed of steel, cast iron, lead, or thelike. The block 36 is formed and arranged to shift along the arm 29 to vary the leverage or counterbalanoing action.V The inner side of the block 36 is provided with a channel 31 which receives the arm 29. The channel 3l receives the arm29 with suitable clearance to allow free shifting of the block 36 along theV arm.

Means is provided for adjusting the weight block 36 `and for holding the block in the adjusted positions. A stem or screw 38 is arranged in spaced parallel relation to the arm 29. The screw 38 may be of substantially the same length as the arm 29 and its lower end is anchored to the arm. In the particular case illustrated the lower part of the screw 38 is xed in a boss 39 at the lower end of the arm 29. The screw38 passes through an opening 40 in the block 36, being received in the opening with suitable clearance. Nuts 4| are threaded on the screw 38 to engage the upper and lower ends of the block 38. By adjusting or shifting the nuts 4| the weight block 36 may be adjusted along the arm 29 to produce the desired counterbalancing action.

The invention may include means for varying the weight of the block 36. One or more weight plates 42 may be provided for attachment to the block 36. The plates 42 are shaped to lie against the outer side of the block 38 and where more than one plate is used the plates may be arranged one against the other. Spaced studs 43 are fixed in the block 36 and project horizontally from its outer face. receiving the studs 43. Nuts 45 are removably threaded on the studs 43 to retain the plates 42. The studs 43 may be 0f substantial length and may have threads extending throughout their projecting portions to provide for the attachment of one or many plates 42. It will be apparent how the plates 42 may be added to and removed from the block 36 to increase and decrease the aggregate weight, as necessary.

The means 23 is provided to stop the lower link section 2| in selected angular or extended positions to bring the elevator E within easy reach of the workman on the platform |8 and is operable to releasably latch or hold the lower section 2| in alignment with the upper section 28 when the elevator is to be employed in pulling the pipe from the well. The means 23 includes two arcuate stop members 41 and 48 mounted in the yoke 3| to cooperate with the stop shoulders 21. yoke 3| is deepened to receive the tongue 25 with substantial clearance, leaving a space at the bottom of the yoke which receives the stop members 41 and 48. The members 41 and 48 are curved to conform to the bottom wall of the yoke 3| and to have clearance with the tongue 25. The ends of the members 41 and 48 are flat and substantially radial with respect to the pivotal axis of the members 28 and 2|. The stop member 41 is somewhat longer than the member 48 and is provided to limit the return movement or downward swinging of the lower link arm 28, stopping the lower section 2| where it is longitudinally aligned with the upper section 20. Two spaced removable bolts 49 are passed through transverse openings in the yoke 3| and the member 41 to secure the member in position. The member 41 requires no regulation or adjustment and may be permanently set to have one end engage with a stop shoulder 21 to stop or position the section 2| where it is in ailgnment with the section 29.

The stop member 43 is the adjustable stop element. The member 48 lies alongside of the member 41 and has a multiplicity of spaced openings 58 for receiving the bolts 49. The member 48 is arranged to have one end project beyond the member 41 in the direction in which the lower arm 28 is to swing. This projecting end of the member 48 cooperates` with the opposing stop shoulder 21 to limit the outward Swinging of The plates 42 have openings 44 for j The the arm 28. The other end of the member 48 vis spaced ,inwardly from. the corresponding end .of the member 41 so that it cannot cooperate with the opposing stop shoulder 21. With the kbolts 49 removed the member 48 may be shifted to stop the link. arm 28 in any desired position, whereupon the bolts may be replaced to secure the member in the adjusted position.A

The separate or individual stop members 41 and 48 reduce the manufacturing cost, allowing the two links to be identical except for the setting of the st'opmembers. The stop members 41 and 48 of the right hand and left hand links 'are set or arranged in the reverse relation. Itis to be understood that the stop members 48 of the two links have the same adjustment so that both act to limit the outward swinging of the lower link arm 28.

The means 23 further includes a releasable holding device or latch mechanism for holding the lower link section 2| in alignment with the upper section 20. The boss 39 has a horizontal opening 5| which registers with a socket 52 in the upper link section 20 when the two link sections are in longitudinal alignment. A shiftable plunger or pin 53 extends through the opening 5|. A spring 54 is arranged under compression between opposing shoulders on the pin 53 and the wall of the opening 5| and urgesthe pin inwardly so that it may cooperate with the socket 52. A knob or head 55 is provided on the outer end of the pin 53 to facilitate the manipulation of the pin. A horizontal slot56 of substantial depth is provided in the outer face of the boss 39 to intersect the opening 5|. A rib 51` is formed on the inner side of the head 55 and is adapted to cooperate with the slot 56. When the rib 51 is engaged in the slot 56 the spring urged pin 53 extends from the boss 39 and engages in the socket 52. A shallow, vertical slot 58 is provided in the outer face of the boss 39 and intersects' the opening 5|. The pin 53 may be pulled out and turned to engage its rib 51 in the slot 58. The engagement of the rib 51 in the slotf 58 holds the pin 53 in the retracted position where it is clear of the socket 52 so that the lower section 2| may swing with respect to the section 20.

In the use of the links illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, the eyes 9 are engaged with the lugs or ears 24 of the hook I4 and the eyes 3!) are engaged with the lugs of the elevator E so that the links serve to suspend the elevator from the hook. When the elevator is to be employed Y in running the string of pipe into the well the pins 53 are pulled out and locked in the inactive positions by engaging the ribs 51 in the notches 58. The links may be conditioned'to handle the selected elevator E by the addition or removal of one or more weight plates 42 and the stop members 48 may be adjusted as above described to bring the elevator E to the correct extended position for easy engagement with the pipe stands S at the platform I8.) It is usually preferable to correspondingly regulate the weight means 22 of the two links to provide for balanced operation. The blocks 36 carrying one or more plates 42 may be adjusted along the upper link sections 20 to provide the required counterbalancing action. The weight of the blocks 36 and the plates 42 and the leverage of the weight elements are such that the lower link arms 28 andl the elevator E carried thereby is overbalanced. Accordingly, the weight means 22 automatically swings the lower link section 2| to theextended position `shown in full lines in Fig. 1 and in broken lines in Fig. 4. This brings the elevator E to a position where it is offset from the vertical axis of the derrick I8.

When the hoist means of the drilling rig is operated to raise the traveling block I3 the elevator E moves up toward the platform I8. When the links have been set and adjusted in the correct manner the elevator E moves up past the platformE in adjacent relation thereto to be conveniently accessible tothe workman at the platform. The workman may easily engage the elevator about the stand of pipe S and latch the elevator so that it engages the collar C on the upper end of the stand. When the upwardly moving elevator E assumes the weight of the stand S, through cooperation with the collar C, the weight means 22 are overbalanced and the lower link sections 2I swing into longitudinal alignment with the upper sections 20. The stop members 4I engage the opposing shoulders"2l to stop the lower link sections 2I in the vertical .positions. With the stand S suspended by the elevator E it is brought to the position where Athe coupling part on its lower end may be made up with or threaded into the coupling part on the pipe P held in the rotary table I5. lThis 'operation is well known to those skilled in the art. With the stand S made up in the string the slips I6 are removed and the string is lowered until the upper end part of said stand is at the table I5, whereupon the slips I6 are replaced to hold or' suspend the string. The elevator E is disengaged from the stand S and the hoist means is again operated to move the elevator to a position at the platform I for engaging the next stand S. When the elevator E is disengaged from the pipe at the rotary table I5 the: weight means v22 automatically swing the lower link sections 2| to their extended positions, thus conditioning the elevator E for ready engagement with the nextl stand S at the platform I8.

It is to be observed that it is unnecessary to swing the heavy block I3 and lines I2v back and forth as the block moves upwardly. The elevator E held in the offset position by the counterbalanced link sections 2| `is automatically brought to a position where it is conveniently accessible to the workman at the platform I8.

The operations are speeded up by reason of this automatic action and the act of engaging the elevator E with the stand S at the platform I8 is accompanied by little or no danger.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 of the drawings embodies sectional links equipped with spring counterbalance means for extending or projecting the elevator E. Each link of the invention shown in Figs'. 6, '7 and 8 may be said to comprise, generally, an upper link section a, a lowerV link section 2Ia, a` 'spring counterbalance means 22a and regulable stop means 23. Y

rhe upper link section 20a may be'substantially identical with the section 2U described above, being an elongate member provided at its upper end with an eye 9e and havinga flattened tongue 25a at its lower end. The -lower link section ZIa includes a lower arm 28a provided at its lower end with an eye 3D?L for receiving a lug of the elevator E. The pivotal connection between thesections 2lia and 2 I@ and the regulable stop means 23 may be 'the same as in the previously described form ofthe invention and corresponding reference numerals are applied to the correspondin'gelements tion the upper arm 9a of the lower section ZI has the offset 34 and the boss 39 both as above described, but is quite short, terminating in a yoke 6U which is a short distance above the boss 39.

The spring counterbalance means22 is a yielding resilient means which urges the arm 28a laterally. The means 22a includes an elongate cylinder 6I arranged alongside of the upper link section 28a. Closure heads 62 and 63 are provided on the upper and lower ends of the cylinder 6I. The upper cylinder head 62 has a tongue 64 which rests against a horizontal or lateral boss 65 on the section 20a. A stud or pin 66 connects the tongue 64 with the boss 65 so that the cylinder 6I may pivot about a horizontal axis.

Astem or piston rod 6'I slidably passes through a packing gland 68 on the lower cylinder-head 63 to extend into the cylinder. A .piston 68a is provided on the upper end of the rod 6'I and carries a cup-leather 69 whose skirt faces downwardly. A rather heavy coiled spring 'I0 is provided in the cylinder 6I and is under compression between the head 62 and the top of the piston 68. The spring '10, is of sufficient strength to counterbalance the lower linkLarm 28a and a portion of the elevator E and the springs 10 of the two links operate to swing the elevator to the extended position where it is out of alignment with the hook I4 and the block I3. Controlled Vair discharge means is provided to govern the action of the spring "I0, A discharge port II is provided in the cylinder head 63 and is equipped with' a regulable or replaceable discharge jet l2. The orifice of the jet I2 is restricted or limited to retard the discharge of air from .below the piston 68 and thus retards the outward swinging of the arm 28a and the elevator E. A vent port 'I3 is provided in the head 62 or the upper part of the cylinder 6I to place the upper part of the cylinder in communication with the atmosphere.

The operation of the links shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 is substantially the same as the operation of the previously described form of the invention.

With the stop members 4'I and 48 adjusted as required, and with the pins 53 latched in their inoperative positions, the links are in condition for operation. The springs I0 serve to normally hold the arms 28a and the elevator E extended so that the elevator is offset from the vertical axis of the derrick and whenthe elevator is moved upwardly through the derrick it is readily accessible to the workman on the platform I8. When the elevator E assumes the weight of the pipe stand S the lower arms 28a swing into alignment with the sections 20a and the springs 'I0 are further compressed. When the stand S has been of these structures. In 'this form of the inven` 75 made up in the string and has been lowered into the well the elevator E is disengaged from the stand and the springs I0 automatically swing the arms 28a outwardly to return the elevator to its extended offset position. The restricted jets 'I2 retard this outward swinging of the elevator E and the elevator slowly moves outwardly without endangering the operators. When the elevator E is to be employed in pulling the string from the well the sections 2|a are locked in alignment with the upper sections 2|!a by engaging the pins 53 in the' sockets 52. Y

l Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specic details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the artor fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

V1. In 'apparatus for handling pipe or casing which is racked in a well derrick, the combination of, hoist means operable in the derrick, an elevator for engaging and suspending the pipe or casing, and connectors for suspending the elevator from the hoist means, each connector including an upper section carried by the hoist means, a lower sectionfor carrying the elevator, means for connecting the lower section with the upper section to swing about a generally horizontal axis, and counterbalance means for swinging the lower section out of alignment with the upper section, the counterbalance means of the two connectors being operable to swing the elevator out of line with the hoist means Yand upper sections to a position where it is readily engaged with the racked pipe or casing.

2. In apparatus for handling pipe or casing which is racked in a well derrick, the combination of, hoist means operable in the derrick, an elevator for engaging andsuspending the pipe or casing, and connectors for suspending the elevator from the hoist means, each connector including an upper section carried by the hoist means, a lower section for carrying the elevator, means for connecting the lower section with the upper section to swing about a generally horizontal axis, counterbalance means for swinging the lower section out of alignment with the upper section, the counterbalance means of the two connectors being capable of swinging the elevator out of alignment with the hoist means so that it may be readily engaged with the racked pipe or casing, and adjustable means for limiting the outward swinging of the elevator.

3. In apparatus for handling pipe or casing which is racked in a well derrick, the combination of, hoist means operable in the derrick, an elevator for engaging and suspending the pipe or casing, and connectors for suspending the elevator from the hoist means, each connector including an upper section carried by the hoist means, a lower section for carrying the elevator, means for connecting the lower section with the upper section to swing about a generally horizontal axis, counterbalance means for swinging the lower section out of alignment with the upper section, the counterbalance means of the two connectors being capable of swinging the elevator out of alignment with the hoist means so that it may be readily engaged with vthe racked pipe or casing, means for limiting the outward swinging of the elevator, the counterbalancing means of the two connectors being such that they are overcome by the weight of the pipe or casing when the latter is picked up by the elevator so that said weight causes the lower sections to swing back, and means for stopping the lower sections during such back swinging to align the elevator with the hoist means.

4. Pipe handling apparatus comprising a well derrick in which pipe is racked, hoisting means operable in the derrick in oiset relation to the racked pipe, and an elevator for engaging the pipe, the apparatus being characterized by a connector connecting the elevator with the hoisting means and operable to support; the elevator in either one of two positions, one where the elevator is in substantial alignment with the hoisting means and the other where the elevator is in a position oilset from the hoisting means toward the racked pipe.

5. In apparatus of the character described, a well derrick in which pipe is racked, hoisting means operable in the derrick in horizontally offset relation to the racked pipe, an elevator for engaging and handling the pipe, and a connector connecting the elevator with the hoisting means including an upper section carried by the hoisting means, a lower section connected with the upper Vsection to pivot with respect thereto about a generally horizontal axis, means on the lower section for engaging with the elevator to suspend the same, and means for urging the lower section and elevator to swing out of vertical alignment with the hoisting means in e. direction toward the racked pipe to facilitate the engagement of the elevator with the pipe.

6. In apparatus of the character described, a well derrick in which pipe is racked, hoisting means operable in the derrick in horizontally offset relation to the racked pipe, an elevator for engaging and handling the pipe, and a connector connecting the elevator with the hoisting means including an. upper section carried by the hoisting means, a lower section connected with the upper section to pivot with respect thereto about a generally horizontal axis, means on the lower section for engaging with the elevator to suspend the same, and counterbalance means for urging the lower section and elevator to swing outv of vertical alignment with the hoisting means in a direction toward the racked pipe to facilitate-the *engagement of the elevator with the pipe.

7. In apparatus of the character described, a well derrick in which pipe is racked, hoisting means operable in the derrick in horizontally offset relation to the racked pipe, an ,elevator for engaging and handling the pipe, and an articulated connector suspending the elevator from the hoist means and including a section carrying the elevator and a horizontal axis, stop means for limiting swinging of the section in one direction to stop the section where it is substantially vertically aligned with the hoisting means and operable to stop swinging of the section in the other direction in a position where the elevator is substantially aligned with the racked pipe, and counterbalance means for swinging the section in said other direction.

8. In apparatus of the character described, a well derrick in which pipe is racked, hoisting means operable in the derrick in horizontally offset relation to the racked pipe, an .elevator for engaging and handling the pipe, and an articulated connector suspending the elevator from the hoist means and including a section carrying the elevator and adapted to swing about a horizontal axis between a position where it is substantially vertically aligned with the hoisting means and a position where it projects laterally to bring the elevator in substantial alignment with the racked pipe, and gravity actuated means for urging the section to the second named position.

9. In apparatus of the character described, a well derrick in which pipe is racked, hoisting means operable in the derrick in horizontally offset relation to the racked pipe, an elevator for engaging and handling the pipe, and an articulated connector suspending the elevator from the hoist means and including a section carrying the elevator and adapted to swing about a horizontal axis between a position where it is substantially vertically aligned with the hoisting means and a position where it projects laterally to bring the elevator in substantial alignment with the racked pipe, and spring counterbalance means for urging the section to the second named position to faciliadapted to swing about tate the engagement of thev elevator with the pipe. Y

10. In apparatus ofthe characterdescribed, a

offset relation to the racked pipe, an elevator for l engaging and handling the` pipe, and a connector connecting the elevator with the hoisting means including a section carrying the elevator, means supporting the section to swing about a horizontal axis between a position in alignment with the hoist means and a laterally projecting position where the elevator is substantially aligned with the racked pipe Afor ready engagement therewith, an arm on the section extending upwardly beyond said axis, a counterbalance weight shiftable along said arm and operable to swing the 4section to the second named position, and means for adjusting the weight along the arm. 11. In apparatus of the character described, a well derrick in which pipe is racked, hoisting means operable in the derrick in horizontally oiset relation to the racked pipe, an elevator for engaging and handling the pipe, and a connector connecting the elevator with the hoisting means including an upper section carried by the hoisting means, a lower section connected with the upper section to pivot with respect thereto about a generally horizontal axis, means on the lower section for engaging with the elevator to suspend the same, counterbalance means for swinging the lower section and elevator out of vertical alignment with the hoisting means in a direction toward the racked pipe to facilitate the engagement of the elevator with' the pipe, and releasable means for holding the lower section against swinging from the position where it is substantially aligned with the hoistingmeans.

12. In apparatus of the character described, a well derrick in which pipe is racked, hoisting means operable in the derrick in horizontally offset relation to the racked pipe, an elevator for engaging and handling the pipe, and a connector connecting the elevator with the hoisting means including an upper section carried by the hoisting means, a lower section connected with the upper section to pivot with respect thereto about a generally horizontal axis, means on the lower section for engaging with the elevator to suspend the same, and means for urging the lower section and elevator to swing out of vertical alignment with the hoisting means in a direction toward the racked pipe to facilitate the engagement of the elevator with the pipe, said means including an arm on the lower section, a pivoted abutment on the upper section, and a spring acting between the two' abutments.

13. In apparatus of the character described, a well derrick in which pipe is racked, hoisting means operable in the derrick in horizontally offset relation to the racked pipe, an elevator for engaging and handling the pipe, and an articulated connector suspending the elevator from the hoist means and including a section carrying the elevator and adapted to swing about a horizontal axis between a position where it is substantially vertically aligned with the hoisting means and a position where it projects laterally to bring the elevator in substantial alignment with the racked pipe, and spring counterbalance means for urging the section to the second named position to facilitate the engagement of the elevator with the pipe, and pneumatic means for controlling the action of the spring means.

. GLENN D. JOHNSON. 

